Which non-fiction work of Wendell Berry should one read first?

There's no one-size-fits - all order. However, you could start with his early works like 'The Long - Legged House' to get a sense of his evolving style and themes. It gives you a foundation in his rural - based storytelling.

I find his fiction more engaging. It has a certain charm in the way the stories are crafted that really draws me in. His non - fiction just doesn't have the same allure for me.

The stories in his fiction are more exciting.

A good starting point could be 'A Place on Earth'. It gives you a taste of Berry's writing style, with its focus on rural life and the relationships within a community. Then you might move on to 'The Memory of Old Jack' which delves deeper into the characters' lives and the passage of time in a small town.

One of the main themes is the connection between humans and the land. His fiction often shows how people's lives are intertwined with the natural environment. For example, in his works, characters' fates are influenced by the farming cycle and the health of the local ecosystem.

Another notable story might be 'The Peace of Wild Things'. It delves into the idea of finding solace in nature. Berry's writing in this story is so evocative that it makes the reader feel as if they are right there in the natural setting, experiencing the peace that comes from being among wild things.

Not necessarily. You can start with any of Wendell Berry's novels based on your interests.

Some of the highly regarded Wendell Berry novels include 'Jayber Crow'. It offers a profound look at small - town life, with a vivid portrayal of the characters and their relationships within the community.

It depends on your interests. If you like escaping into imaginative worlds and stories, fiction might be for you. But if you prefer learning real facts and knowledge, non-fiction could be better.

Community is also a big theme. For example, in many of his stories, the relationships between the people in small towns are explored. They support each other, have disputes, but overall, the community is a central part of the characters' lives.